All-Electric F-150? Hands On with the All New Lightning!

With 563 peak horsepower and 775 lb-ft of instant torque, the all-electric F-150 Lightning rockets off the line and comes stuffed with smart ergonomics and new tech.

Ford recently invited me to a regional dealership training event for the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning, which I wrote up in-depth over HERE on our sister site. In addition to a deep dive into the features and functions, we rode along in a Lightning prototype vehicle on a larger autocross course. Sadly, Ford didn’t want us to measure the acceleration, but let me tell you this…

With 563 peak ponies and 775 lb.-ft. of instant torque, the all-new Lightning is about as quick as a current-generation Coyote-powered Mustang GT. Which weighs almost 3,000 pounds less than this full-sized, five-passenger truck. Also, thanks to the first-for-F-150 independent rear suspension, the Lightning rides smooth over bumps and hugs the corners even on regular truck tires.

Will an all-electric F-Series be the perfect truck for every potential buyer? No, of course not. If you can’t install an at-home charger, or if you routinely drive over 300 miles per day, it’s not the truck for you. Similarly, driving the PowerBoost 6.7 SuperDuty blew my mind, but it’s too big for my needs (and driveway, hahaha).

Hell, the Lightning won’t even be the quickest EV truck when production begins next year. (Expect all the records to go to the Rivian and Cyber Truck.) But, at around $55,000-$65,000 for a well-optioned XLT that includes the extended range battery, the F-150 Lightning will likely be the most affordable (and best-selling) EV truck over the next few years.

And did I mention it’s fast? And super fun? Yeah, as a Boss 302 owner and Ford fanatic, the Lightning lacks my favorite engine note. But in almost every other way, it’s incredibly impressive.

Click HERE to read the FULL REVIEW!
or
Click HERE to watch the video review on YOUTUBE!

Photos: Michael S. Palmer